Image processing according to image output mode

ABSTRACT

Picture quality adjustment processing is executed using picture quality adjustment parameter value sets corresponding to a plurality of output modes. First and second image processing modules can execute the same picture quality adjustment, and they can utilize picture quality adjustment parameters in common. If picture quality adjustment is executed by the first image processing module, picture quality adjustment by the second image processing module is prohibited.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/916,337, filed on Aug. 10, 2004, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a technique for outputting images based onimage data.

2. Description of the Related Art

Images shot with image generating devices such as digital still camerasor digital video cameras are output (e.g. displayed or printed) byoutput devices of various kinds, such as monitors and printers. Usingimage retouching application, picture quality of an output image can beadjusted in any desired manner on a personal computer. An imageretouching application typically includes a picture quality adjustingfunction for automatically adjusting picture quality of image data;utilizing such a picture quality adjusting function, it is possible toimprove picture quality of an image output from an image output device.The printer driver, which controls operation of one type of image outputdevice, namely a printer, also includes a function for adjusting picturequality, and it is possible utilizing such a printer driver to improvepicture quality of printed images as well (for example, JP11-120325A).

Among printers that produce images on a print media, there are thosethat can utilize a number of types of print media, such as glossy paperand plain paper. Among printers that eject ink onto a print medium toform an image, there are those in which the type of ink ejected can beexchanged. Also, devices of various kinds can be utilized as printers.

Color reproduction in images output in such various different modes mayin some instances differ according to mode. Thus, an unvarying picturequality adjustment process will not always provide appropriateadjustment of picture quality, depending on the output mode of theimage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique wherebypicture quality may be adjusted appropriately regardless of the outputmode of an image.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided afirst image processing device for processing target image datarepresenting a target image, for the purpose of outputting the targetimage according to any of a plurality of output modes that are dependentat least upon a print medium to be used. The image processing devicecomprises: a memory having pre-stored therein separately from the targetimage data a parameter file that stores a plurality of parameter valuesets in association with the plurality of output modes, respectively,each parameter value set including a plurality of picture qualityadjustment parameters; a parameter value acquiring module configured toacquire one parameter value set from the parameter file according tooutput mode information indicating one output mode to be used at theoutput of the target image; and a picture quality adjusting moduleconfigured to execute picture quality adjustment of the target imagedata, using the acquired parameter value set.

With this first image processing device, since it is possible to use aparameter file containing parameter value sets associated with pluralimage output modes, picture quality adjustment can be carried out withreference to the image output mode to be used. Accordingly, picturequality adjustment can be carried out appropriately for any output modeof the image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda second image processing device for processing target image datarepresenting a target image, for the purpose of outputting the targetimage according to any of a plurality of output modes that are dependentat least upon a print medium to be used. The image processing devicecomprises: a first image processing module comprising a first picturequality adjusting module; a second image processing module comprising asecond picture quality adjusting module identical to the first picturequality adjusting module; and a memory, accessible from the first andsecond image processing modules, for pre-storing a parameter fileseparately from the target image data, the parameter file storing aplurality of parameter value sets in association with the plurality ofoutput modes, respectively, each parameter value set including aplurality of picture quality adjustment parameters. The first imageprocessing module executes a process utilizing the target image data asa processing target to create intermediate image data, and the secondimage processing module executes a process utilizing the intermediateimage data as a processing target. The second image processing moduleprohibits or halts execution of picture quality adjustment by the secondpicture quality adjusting module if the first image processing modulehas executed picture quality adjustment by the first picture qualityadjusting module.

In this second image processing device, first and second imageprocessing modules are able to execute picture quality adjustment usingin common a parameter value set corresponding to an image output mode tobe used; and in the event that the first image processing module hasexecuted picture quality adjustment, execution of picture qualityadjustment by the second image processing module is halted orprohibited. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust picture qualityappropriately with reference to the image output mode while avoidingreduplicative picture quality adjustment.

The present invention may be realized in various modes, for example, animage processing method and image processing device; a computer programfor realizing the functions of such a method or device; or a storagemedium having such a computer program stored thereon.

These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of an image outputsystem.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing arrangement of computer 90 inEmbodiment 1.

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) illustrate an example of arrangement of parameterfile 400.

FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between adjustment level andlightness value in a contrast adjustment process.

FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b) illustrate exemplary tone curves.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image processing routine.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen for setting picture qualityadjustment control information.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screen for setting picture qualityadjustment control information.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the arrangement of a computer 90 a.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the arrangement of a computer 90 b.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an image processing routine.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary layout setting screen.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary picture quality adjustment controlinformation setting screen.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the arrangement of a computer 90 c.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of execution of a picture qualityadjustment process by a control circuit 22 a of a printer 20 a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The embodiments of the invention are described hereinbelow in thefollowing order.

A. Device Arrangement:

B. Embodiment 1:

C. Embodiment 2:

D. Embodiment 3:

E. Embodiment 4:

F. Embodiment 5:

G. Variations:

A. Device Arrangement

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of an image outputsystem embodying the present invention. This image output systemcomprises a printer 20 as an image output device for outputting images(corresponding to the image output unit in the invention), and acomputer 90 as an image processing device. Computer 90 is a computer ofthe type commonly used, and executes picture quality adjustmentprocessing, described later. The combination of computer 90 serving asthe image processing device and the printer 20 serving as the imageoutput device may be referred to as “image output apparatus” in thebroad sense.

Computer 90 comprises a CPU 92 for executing a picture qualityadjustment process, described later; RAM 93 for temporary storage ofresults of operations by CPU 92, image data, and the like; and a harddisk drive (HDD) 94 for storing a picture quality adjustment processingprogram, image data, and other data required for picture qualityadjustment processing. The computer 90 additionally comprises a memorycard slot 96 for inserting a memory card MC and acquiring data from thememory card MC; a monitor driver circuit 91 for driving a monitor 21;and an I/F circuit 95 for interfacing with printer 20, digital camera12, or other device.

Digital camera 12 functions as an image generating device for generatingimage data. Computer 90 can acquire image data generated by digitalcamera 12, via a cable CV for example. An arrangement whereby digitalcamera 12 can stores image data on a memory card MC and computer 90acquires image data from the memory card MC is also possible. Alsopossible is an arrangement whereby image data is acquired over a network(not shown). The image generating device is not limited to a digitalcamera 12; a scanner or other device that generate image data could beused as well.

When an image data processing program, namely an image retouchingapplication or printer driver, is run under user control, CPU 92executes a picture quality adjustment process to adjust the quality ofthe image data (described in detail hereinbelow).

CPU 92 generates print data on the basis of the quality-adjusted imagedata, and sends the generated print data to printer 20. Printer 20,having received the print data, ejects ink from nozzles onto a printmedium (also referred to as printer paper) in accordance with the printdata to output (in this case, to print) the image. Printer 20 has anumber of constitutional elements that fall outside of the scope of thedescription herein, such as a main scanning drive mechanism,sub-scanning drive mechanism, print head, print head drive circuit,control circuit and so on.

B. Embodiment 1

B1. Arrangement of Computer:

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of computer 90 inEmbodiment 1. Computer 90 comprises an image processing application 600,a printer driver 200, and a parameter file 400. The printer driver 200comprises a picture quality adjustment control information settingmodule 210, a parameter value acquisition module 220, a picture qualityadjustment module 230, and a print data generating module 240. Thefunctions of the image processing application 600 and printer driver 200are realized by means of CPU 92 (FIG. 1) executing the software(computer program) installed on computer 90.

Parameter file 400 has stored in it a plurality of picture qualityadjustment parameter values, and when installed is recorded as a datafile on HDD 94 (FIG. 1). Picture quality adjustment parameter values areread in by parameter value acquisition module 220 (described in detailhereinbelow). Here, parameter file 400 is recorded on HDD 94 in such away as to be readable by parameter value acquisition module 220. Forexample, there are systems in which data file management is carried outthrough association with a directory of hierarchical architecture. Wheresuch a system is used, the parameter file 400 may be recorded as a datafile associated with a predetermined specific directory, and having apredetermined name. Alternatively, the file name and related directorymay be registered in the system's information database (also termed thesystem directory). In this Embodiment, HDD 94 corresponds to the“memory” taught in the invention.

The image processing application 600 reads in image data from an imagedata file 300 generated by digital camera 12 or other image generatingdevice. In the event of a user-issued print command to image processingapplication 600, the image data is sent to printer driver 200.

Image data generated by an image generating device is typically incompressed data format (for example, JPEG compressed data). Whenhandling such compressed data, the image processing application 600performs decompression of the image data and sends the decompressedimage data to the printer driver 200. In some instances, the color spacerepresenting the image data will not be a color space that can behandled by the printer driver 200. For example, as is commonly known,JPEG compressed data is represented in a YCbCr color space. Here, wherethe printer driver 200 can handle image data represented in an RGB colorspace, the image processing application 600 will execute a color spaceconversion process to convert from the YCbCr color space to the RGBcolor space and send the color space-converted image data to the printerdriver 200. Here, the process of conversion from the YCbCr color spaceto the RGB color space can be executed on the basis of a predeterminedstandard matrix.

This decompression process and/or color space conversion process may beexecuted by the printer driver 200 rather than by the image processingapplication 600.

The picture quality adjustment module 230 of printer driver 200 executesa picture quality adjustment process, carried out according to a picturequality adjustment value, on the image data received from the imageprocessing application 600 (described in detail later). The print datagenerating module 240 then generates print data according to the imagedata which has been subjected to picture quality adjustment.

B2. Arrangement of Picture Quality Adjustment Parameter Values:

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) illustrate an example of the arrangement ofparameter file 400. FIG. 3( a) shows an overview of the arrangement ofparameter file 400, and FIG. 3( b) shows exemplary parameter data.

In this Embodiment, picture quality adjustment module 230 (FIG. 2) isable to execute, by way of picture quality adjustment processes, abrightness adjustment process, a contrast adjustment process, a memorycolor adjustment process, and a sharpness adjustment process. Thepicture quality adjustment module 230 executes these adjustmentprocesses on the basis of picture quality adjustment parameter valuesfor these processes. Parameter file 400 stores a plurality of picturequality adjustment parameter values for the adjustment processes(hereinafter referred to as a picture quality adjustment parameter valuesets). The picture quality adjustment processes executed by the module230 are not limited to those listed above, and may include various otheradjustment processes. For example, a saturation adjustment process orcolor balance adjustment process could be executed. In general, anyprocess for adjusting picture quality is acceptable.

In the example of FIG. 3( a), parameter file 400 contains 12 picturequality adjustment parameter value sets PS1-PS12. These picture qualityadjustment parameter value sets PS1-PS12 have been prepared according topicture quality adjustment mode, type of print medium useable forprinting, and color space relating to image data.

In this Embodiment, printer driver 200 has three picture qualityadjustment modes (“standard mode”, “portrait mode” and “landscape mode”)which are suitable for different types of image subjects for output. Inthe example of FIG. 3( a), picture quality adjustment parameter valuesets are prepared separately for the picture quality adjustment modes.By so doing, it becomes possible to use different picture qualityadjustment parameter value sets according to the type of image, so thata picture quality adjustment process appropriate for a particular typeof image may be executed. Picture quality adjustment modes are notlimited to the three types listed above; generally, a number of modesaccording to different subject types may be prepared.

In this Embodiment, printer 20 is able to use both “glossy paper” and“plain paper” as the print medium. Plain paper tends to have weaker inkcoloration and greater tendency to bleed than does glossy paper. As aresult, when using plain paper, it is possible that images with lowcontrast and blurriness (i.e. not sharp) will be output, as compared tothe case where glossy paper is used. Generally, not only contrast andsharpness, but also color reproduction in printed images can vary withthe type of print medium. As a result, where an unvarying picturequality adjustment process is carried out irrespective of the type ofprint medium, it is possible that the desired picture quality will notbe obtained, depending on the type of print medium. Accordingly, in theexample shown in FIG. 3( a), picture quality adjustment parameter valuesets for different types of print media are prepared. By so doing, sinceit is possible to use different picture quality adjustment parametervalue sets for different types of print media, a picture qualityadjustment process appropriate for a particular type of print medium canbe executed. Types of print media useable by printer 20 are not limitedto the two listed above, it being possible to use any of a number ofkinds of print media.

In this Embodiment, different picture quality adjustment parameter valuesets are prepared for the different color spaces relating to image data.Image data generated by an image generating device typically assumesthat the data will processed in a standard color space (for example, anRGB color space). Depending on the image generating device, image datamay be generated on the assumption of being processed in some otherspecific color space having a color reproduction range different fromthe standard color space. For a given subject, where the assumed colorspaces, i.e. color reproduction ranges of color spaces associated withimage data, differ, there exists the possibility that when the generatedimage data is reproduced, colors will differ from expected. As a result,where an unvarying picture quality adjustment process is carried outirrespective of the associated color space, it is possible that,depending on the associated color space, the intended picture qualitywill not be obtained. Accordingly, in preferred practice picture qualityadjustment parameter value sets will be prepared according to the colorspace associated with the image data targeted for processing. In thisEmbodiment, picture quality adjustment parameter value sets are preparedfor a standard color space (hereinafter referred to as the sRGB colorspace) and for a specific color space (hereinafter referred to as theeRGB color space). By so doing, since it is possible to use a differentpicture quality adjustment parameter value set depending on the colorspace, it is possible to execute picture quality adjustment appropriatefor a particular color space. Typically, the color space associated withimage data is the color space used when the image data was generated.Where JPEG compressed data is used, image data derived by executing acolor space conversion process (from the YCbCr color space to the RGBcolor space) on the basis of the standard matrix mentioned earlier canbe used as image data represented by the associated color space.

Typically, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of picture qualityadjustment parameter value sets for different color spaces associatedwith image data.

FIG. 3( b) illustrates a portion of parameter file 400, for the sRGBcolor space in FIG. 3( a).

In the example shown in FIG. 3( b), levels of various picture qualityadjustment processes and a memory color targeted for the memory coloradjustment process are established as picture quality adjustmentparameter values. Level of picture quality adjustment processing isrepresented in terms of five levels 1-5 (LV1-LV5).

FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between adjustment level andlightness value in a contrast adjustment process. In FIG. 4 there areshown five graphs GLV1-GLV5 that plot correspondence relationshipsbetween lightness input level Bin and output level Bout. In the contrastadjustment process, the lightness value at each pixel positionrepresented by the image data is adjusted according to the graphs shownin FIG. 4. Where image data is represented by a color space that doesnot include lightness as a parameter (for example, an RGB color space),it is possible to derive the lightness value at each pixel position bymeans of converting it to a color space that includes lightness as aparameter (for example, the YCbCr color space or HSI color space).

Graph GLV3 in FIG. 4 is the graph used at LV3, which is the standardadjustment level (hereinafter referred to as the standard level). Thisgraph GLV3 is established such that output level Bout is the same asinput level Bin.

Graph GLV4 is the graph used at LV4, which is an adjustment level higherthan standard adjustment level LV3. This graph GLV4 is established suchthat over a range of relatively small values of input level Bin, outputlevel Bout is even smaller, whereas over a range of relatively largevalues of input level Bin, output level Bout is even larger. Byexecuting the lightness value adjustment process using such a graphGLV4, it is possible to make relatively bright image brighter andrelatively dark image areas darker, so as to be able to output an imagehaving stronger contrast.

Graph GLV5 is the graph used at LV5, which is higher than adjustmentlevel GLV4. This graph GLV5 is established such that change in outputlevel Bout is even greater than the change in output level Boutoccurring with graph GLV4. Using graph GLV5, it is possible to producegreater contrast in an output image than with graph GLV4.

Graph GLV2, on the other hand, is the graph used at LV2, which is anadjustment level lower than standard adjustment level LV3. In contrastto graphs GLV4 and GLV5, this graph GLV2 is established such that over arange of relatively small values of input level Bin, output level Boutis large, whereas over a range of relatively large values of input levelBin, output level Bout is small. By executing the lightness valueadjustment process using such a graph GLV2, it is possible to lowerbrightness in relatively bright image and intensify brightness inrelatively dark image areas, so as to be able to output an image havingreduced contrast. Graph GLV1 is the graph used at LV1, which is lowerthan adjustment level GLV2, and is established such that change inoutput level Bout is even greater than the change in output level Boutoccurring with graph GLV2. Using graph GLV1, it is possible to produceeven lower contrast in an output image than with graph GLV2.

For other picture quality adjustment processes as well, the process iscarried out analogously, with reference to a particular picture qualityadjustment parameter. For example, in the brightness adjustment process,image data is adjusted so that a brighter image is output the higher theadjustment level; and in the sharpness adjustment process, image data isadjusted so that a sharper image is output the higher the adjustmentlevel. In the memory color adjustment process, color of pixels whosecolor is close to a memory color pre-designated by a picture qualityadjustment parameter value is adjusted to bring it into approximationwith a predetermined target color.

The actual intensity of each adjustment process can be adjustedaccording to adjustment level and picture quality adjustment parametervalues derived by analysis of image data. For example, in the contrastadjustment process, actual intensity may be adjusted with reference tothe result of a comparison of the lightness distribution spread with apredetermined standard value. In preferred practice, in the event thatspread determined from analysis of the image data is greater than thestandard value, the adjustment level actually used will be modified to alesser extend the greater this difference is; whereas on the other handin the event that spread determined from analysis of the image data isless than the standard value, the adjustment level actually used will bemodified to a greater the greater this difference is. By so doing, it ispossible to avoid adjusting image contrast to an excessive level. As theparameter value for spread, it would be possible to use the dispersionor variance of the lightness distribution, for example.

In general, where intensity of adjustment processes is adjusteddepending on adjustment level and picture quality adjustment parametervalues derived by analysis of image data, it is possible to avoidexecuting adjustment processes to excessive levels.

In this Embodiment, a process appropriate to particular print medium orpicture quality adjustment mode is executed as shown in FIG. 3( b). Forexample, where portrait mode has been selected as the picture qualityadjustment mode, for a same given print medium, brightness is set to amoderately high level, contrast to a moderately low level, and sharpnessto a moderately low level, as compared to the case where standard modehas been selected. Also, since skin tone is pre-selected as the memorycolor for the portrait mode, a skin tone color correction process isexecuted. By executing such a picture quality adjustment process, a softimage appearance is created, and skin tone of the human subject isadjusted to preferred skin tone.

Where plain paper has been selected as the print medium, for a samegiven picture quality adjustment mode, contrast to a moderately highlevel and sharpness to a moderately high level, as compared to the casewhere glossy paper has been selected. Where plain paper is used,contrast tends to be weaker and output images more susceptible toblurring than is the case when glossy paper is used. By executing such apicture quality adjustment process, it is possible to output a sharpimage with greater contrast, as compared to the case where no picturequality adjustment process is executed.

Picture quality adjustment parameter value settings need not necessarilyfollow the settings in FIG. 3( b), it being possible to use othersettings. In the example of FIG. 3( b), there are shown picture qualityadjustment parameter values for the sRGB color space; picture qualityadjustment parameter values for other color spaces can be setanalogously. In this Embodiment, the print media type corresponds to the“output mode” in the invention, and picture quality adjustment modecorresponds to the “processing characteristic information.”

In preferred practice, picture quality adjustment parameter valuesreferent to type of print medium will be set so as to give the intendedpicture quality regardless of the type of print medium. In particular,it is preferable to set them so as to give a high level of approximationin appearance of images output on different types of print media, inother words, so as to minimize any difference in impression to anobserver of the images. An observer of an image receives from the imageimpressions as to brightness, contrast, vividness, sharpness, and othersuch characteristics. Where such impressions (image appearance) are inclose approximation regardless of the type of print medium, it becomeseasy to output images that impart similar impressions, even where anumber of different types of print media are used. In the example givenin FIG. 3( b), where plain paper has been selected, for a given picturequality adjustment mode and color space, contrast and sharpnessadjustment levels are set to higher levels than a case where glossypaper has been selected. Accordingly, differences in image contrast andsharpness occurring where plain paper is used and glossy paper is usedcan be minimized, thereby reducing the sense of incongruity (differencein impression) experience by an observer due to differences in the typeof print medium.

FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b) are exemplary tone curves showing correspondencerelationships between lightness value indicated by image data andlightness (brightness) of an output image. The method for evaluatingappearance of an output image due to type of print medium may employ amethod of comparing tone curves, for example. Tone curves can be derivedby actually outputting a number of achromatic color patches (colorsamples) of differing lightness, and performing calorimetricmeasurements on the output images.

FIG. 5( a) is a graph showing exemplary tone curves for glossy paper andplain paper respectively. Since glossy paper tends to have more intensegloss than plain paper, it is possible to reproduce higher brightness.In preferred practice, the shapes of the glossy paper tone curve andplain paper tone curve will be similar to one another. Human perception,upon detecting variation in brightness in an image, tends to appreciatevariation in brightness throughout the entire image while being adaptedto the maximum value of brightness in the image (hereinafter termedmaximum brightness). Where maximum brightness is relatively low, humanperception perceives variation in brightness to be relatively large.Conversely, where maximum brightness is relatively high, humanperception will perceive this same variation in brightness to berelatively small. As a result, even where maximum values of reproducedbrightness are different, if the shapes of the tone curves are similar,human perception will perceive the variations in brightness as beingsimilar.

FIG. 5( b) is an illustration of the degree of approximation in shape oftone curves. Tone curves for glossy paper and plain paper, respectively,are shown in FIG. 5( b). These tone curves have been normalized with therespective maximum values of brightness of the tone curves shown in FIG.5( a).

In FIG. 5( b) is shown the difference Δt between the two tone curves fora given lightness value (hereinafter referred to as normalizedbrightness difference). While the magnitude of normalized brightnessdifference Δt varies depending on lightness value, in general it issmaller the more similar in shape the two tone curves are. Accordingly,the degree of approximation of the two tone curves can be evaluated onthe basis of the magnitude of normalized brightness difference Δt. As anindex of the degree of approximation of the two tone curves, it would bepossible to use, for example, the maximum absolute value of thedifference Δt, or the average value of the difference Δt over the entirerange. Thus, it can be stated that a smaller degree of approximationindex signifies less difference in shape of the two tone curves, i.e.,greater similarity in shape of the two tone curves.

In preferred practice, picture quality adjustment parameter value setswill be established such that execution of the picture qualityadjustment process reduces the difference in shape of tone curves due todifferent types of print media. By so doing, differences in appearanceof images due to different types of print media can be held to aminimum, that is, the degree of similarity in image appearance can beincreased.

Evaluation of difference in output image appearance with different typesof print media is not limited to the use of the tone curves, and may bebased instead on sensory evaluation by comparing printed images usingdifferent print media. In this process, it will be preferable toestablish picture quality adjustment parameter values such thatdifferences in appearance of output images derived by executing picturequality adjustment processes according to type of print medium aresmaller than differences in appearance of output images derived byexecuting a given picture quality adjustment process irrespective of thetype of print medium.

B3. Image Processing:

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image processing routine executed by printerdriver 200 once receiving image data from image processing application600 (FIG. 2). In Step S100, the picture quality adjustment controlinformation setting module 210 executes a process for setting picturequality adjustment control information.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary screen for setting picturequality adjustment control information, displayed on monitor 21 (FIG. 1)by picture quality adjustment control information setting module 210(FIG. 2). On the screen shown in FIG. 7 are displayed the types of printmedia utilizable for printing by printer 20, and picture qualityadjustment modes. From the types of print media displayed on thesettings screen in FIG. 7, the user can select the printer paper thatwill actually be used. Also, from the picture quality adjustment modedisplayed on the settings screen, the user can select a picture qualityadjustment mode appropriate for the image being output.

Certain kinds of image generating devices generate image data files thatcontain both image data and various kinds of information related to theimage data (hereinafter termed image data-related information). Forexample, some digital cameras permit switching among operating modesduring shooting (hereinafter termed shooting mode) depending on theshooting scene, such as a portrait scene or landscape scene, and storethis information relating to shooting mode used in shooting (hereinaftertermed shooting mode information) in the image data file together withthe image data per se. Such file formats include, for example, the Exiffile format.

In preferred practice, image processing application 600 will send imagedata-related information together with image data, to the printer driver200. By so doing, picture quality adjustment control information settingmodule 210 is able to analyze the image data-related information andautomatically select a picture quality adjustment mode according to theshooting mode information. Also, picture quality adjustment modeaccording to shooting mode information can be used as an initialsetting, and the picture quality adjustment mode thus selected may beshown on the settings screen (FIG. 7) so that the user can selectanother mode. If the image data-related information does not includeshooting mode information or if the image data-related information isnot available for the image data, the setting screen may be displayed inwhich picture quality adjustment mode is unselected, prompting the userto make a selection.

Depending on the printer, there may be provided a mechanism forautomatically identifying the type of print medium that has been loadedfor printing. In this case, an arrangement whereby the printer sends tocomputer 90 information relating to this identification (hereinaftertermed identified medium information), whereupon the picture qualityadjustment control information setting module 210 automatically selectsthe type of print medium based on the identified medium information itreceives would be acceptable.

Next, in Step S100 (FIG. 6), picture quality adjustment controlinformation setting module 210 (FIG. 2) makes a determination as towhether a color space associated with the image data has beendesignated. Certain image generating devices create image data on theassumption that it will be processed in a predetermined color space, andplace in the image data file information designating this predeterminedcolor space (hereinafter termed designated color space information).Where picture quality adjustment control information setting module 210is able to utilize such image data-related information, it will analyzethe image data-related information and determine whether designatedcolor space information is present.

In the event that designated color space information is found (StepS110: Yes), the picture quality adjustment control information settingmodule 210 sets the designated color space as the color spaceinformation of the picture quality adjustment control information. Next,in Step S120, the parameter value acquisition module 220 reads in fromthe parameter file 400 a picture quality adjustment parameter value setcorresponding to the picture quality adjustment control information(type of print medium, picture quality adjustment mode, and designatedcolor space).

In the event that designated color space information is not found (StepS110: No), the picture quality adjustment control information settingmodule 210 sets a standard color space as the color space information ofthe picture quality adjustment control information. Next, in Step S130,the parameter value acquisition module reads in from the parameter file400 a picture quality adjustment parameter value set corresponding topicture quality adjustment control information (type of print medium,picture quality adjustment mode, and standard color space).

In the event that picture quality adjustment control information settingmodule 210 is not able to utilize image data-related information,picture quality adjustment control information setting module 210decides that no designated color space information is present.

Color space selection by the user via the settings screen shown in FIG.7 may be permitted as well.

Next, in Step S140, the picture quality adjustment module 230 executes apicture quality adjustment process according to the picture qualityadjustment parameter value set read in by the parameter valueacquisition module 220. In preferred practice, the color space targetedfor the picture quality adjustment process (hereinafter termed theadjustment color space) will be established in advance, and the picturequality adjustment process will be executed after having first executedon the image data a color space conversion process to convert it fromthe color space associated with the image data to the adjustment colorspace. By so doing, variation in color of the output image relative tovariation in the intensity of picture quality adjustment can bestandardized regardless of associated color space, so that whenadjusting picture quality adjustment parameter values with reference topicture quality adjustment control information, an operator can refer toadjustment results for one color space while adjusting picture qualityadjustment parameter values for the other color space. Thus, the effortrequired in adjusting picture quality adjustment parameter values can bereduced.

In Step S150, the print data generating module 240, on the basis of thequality-adjusted image data, generates print data utilizable by theprinter 20. In this Embodiment, print data generating module 240executes a process to convert RGB data for each pixel to multiple-tonedata of ink amounts, utilizable by the printer 20, and performs ahalftone process on the multiple-tone data to generate print data. Theprocess for conversion to multiple-tone data ink amounts is one kind ofcolor space conversion process, and is typically executed on the basisof a lookup table that represents corresponding relationships amonginput values and output values. In preferred practice, correspondingrelationships among input values and output values will be establishedwith reference to type of print medium.

Print data generated by the print data generating module 240 is sent tothe printer 20, whereupon the printer 20 performs printing on the basisof the received print data.

In the above manner, in Embodiment 1, the picture quality adjustmentprocess is executed on the basis of picture quality adjustment parametervalues that have been established according to type of print medium,color space associated with the image data, and picture qualityadjustment mode. Accordingly, a user will be able to appropriatelyadjust picture quality of an image regardless of the type of printmedium or color space associated with the image data.

In Embodiment 1, printer driver 200 is able to execute the picturequality adjustment process according to picture quality adjustmentparameter values. As a result, a user will be able to easily obtain anoutput image of picture quality adjusted according to the type of printmedium, etc., regardless of the functions of the image processingapplication 600.

C. Embodiment 2

There are two points of difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1described above. The first is that the printer 20 is able to executeprinting using a plurality of ink sets of mutually differentcombinations of utilizable inks. The second is that the picture qualityadjustment parameter value set is prepared with reference to ink set, inaddition to type of print medium, color space, and picture qualityadjustment mode. The arrangement of the computer 90 (FIG. 2) is the sameas in Embodiment 1.

In Embodiment 2, printer 20 can utilize either a four-color ink set oran eight-color ink set, by replacing ink cartridges (not shown). Thefour-color ink set is composed of cyan ink C, magenta ink M, yellow inkY, and black ink K. The eight-color ink set is composed of the fourcolors CMYK, plus light cyan ink LC having substantially the same hue ascyan ink C but lighter in density, light magenta ink LM havingsubstantially the same hue as magenta ink M but lighter in density, darkyellow ink DY having substantially the same hue as yellow ink Y butdarker in density, and light black ink LK which like black K isachromatic, but lighter in density.

Where the eight-color ink set is employed, by using inks of differentdensities, it is possible to more smoothly represent fine gradations intone. Employing the four-color ink set on the other hand, since agreater number of nozzles can eject a given ink, printing can be carriedout faster. As compared to when the eight-color ink set is employed,however, it is possible that tone representation will not be as smooth.Thus, where a picture quality adjustment process is executed using thefour-color ink set or the eight-color ink set exclusively, it ispossible in some instances that the intended picture quality will not beachieved, depending on the ink set. Accordingly, in this Embodiment, thepicture quality adjustment parameter value set is prepared according toink set (not shown). By so doing, it becomes possible to use differentpicture quality adjustment parameter value sets depending on the inkset, so that a picture quality adjustment process appropriate for aparticular ink set can be executed.

Ink sets utilizable by the printer 20 are not limited to the four-colorink set and the eight-color ink set mentioned above, and may beestablished in any manner according to desired printed image quality andthe like. For example, it would be possible to use an ink set includinginks of various hues such as red ink or violet ink, an ink setcontaining pigment inks, an ink set containing dye inks, or the like. Inany event, as long as ink sets differ there exists the possibility thatink coloration and color reproduction in printed images will differ.Accordingly, in preferred practice, picture quality adjustment parametervalue sets will be prepared according to ink set, and employedselectively.

Printer driver 200, having received image data from the image processingapplication 600 (FIG. 2) executes the image processing shown in FIG. 6.FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary screen for setting picturequality adjustment control information, displayed on monitor 21 (FIG. 1)by picture quality adjustment control information setting module 210(FIG. 2). The setting screen in this Embodiment differs from the settingscreen in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 7) in that ink sets utilizable by theprinter 20 for printing are displayed in addition to print medium typeand picture quality adjustment mode. From the ink sets shown on thesetting screen, the user is able to select the ink set that willactually be used. Depending on the printer 20, there may be provided amechanism for automatically identifying the ink set from an installedink cartridge. In this case, an arrangement whereby printer 20 sendsinformation regarding the identification result (hereinafter termedidentified ink information) to the computer 90, and picture qualityadjustment control information setting module 210 automatically selectsan ink set of the basis of the received identified ink information,would be acceptable.

The picture quality adjustment control information setting module 210executes the processes of Steps S100 and S110 in order to create picturequality adjustment control information composed of print medium type,picture quality adjustment mode, color space, and ink set.

In Steps S120 and S130, the parameter value acquisition module 220 readsin from the parameter file 400 a picture quality adjustment parametervalue set corresponding to the picture quality adjustment controlinformation. In Step S140, the picture quality adjustment module 230executes a picture quality adjustment process according to the picturequality adjustment parameter value set read in by the parameter valueacquisition module 220. In Step S150, the print data generating module240, on the basis of the quality-adjusted image data, generates printdata utilizable by the printer 20. The print data so generated is sentto the printer 20.

In the above manner, in Embodiment 2, a picture quality adjustmentprocess is executed on the basis of picture quality adjustment parametervalues that have been established according to ink set. Accordingly, auser will be able to appropriately adjust picture quality of an image,regardless of the type of ink set.

In preferred practice, picture quality adjustment parameter valuesaccording to an ink set will be established so as to minimize thedifference in appearance of images output with different ink sets. By sodoing, the user can readily obtain images that give similar impressions,even where multiple ink sets are employed.

D. Embodiment 3

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the arrangement of a computer 90 a inEmbodiment 3. A difference from the Embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 isthat there is provided an image processing application 500 able toexecute picture quality adjustment processes according to picturequality adjustment parameter values.

In this Embodiment, computer 90 a comprises an image processingapplication 500, a printer driver 200 a, and a parameter file 400. Theimage processing application 500 differs from the image processingapplication 200 shown in FIG. 2, in that it comprises a picture qualityadjustment control information setting module 510, a parameter valueacquisition module 520, a picture quality adjustment module 530, and anindication transmitting module 540.

The picture quality adjustment control information setting module 510functions analogously with module 210 shown in FIG. 2, the parametervalue acquisition module 520 functions analogously with module 220, andthe picture quality adjustment module 530 functions analogously withmodule 230.

In addition to functional modules analogous to those of printer driver200 shown in FIG. 2, printer driver 200 a also has an indicationreceiving module 250 (elements other than the picture quality adjustmentmodule 230, print data generating module 240, and indication receivingmodule 250 are not shown).

In the event of a print command issued by the user to the imageprocessing application 500, the image processing application 500 andprinter driver 200 a execute a process analogous to the image processdepicted in FIG. 6. The picture quality adjustment control informationsetting module 510 executes a process to establish picture qualityadjustment control information. The parameter value acquisition module520 reads in from the parameter file 400 a picture quality adjustmentparameter value set corresponding to picture quality adjustment controlinformation established by the picture quality adjustment controlinformation setting module 510. The picture quality adjustment module530 then executes a picture quality adjustment process according to thepicture quality adjustment parameter value set read in by the parametervalue acquisition module 520.

Image data for which adjustment of picture quality has been completed issent to the printer driver 200 a. An “indication to the effect thatpicture quality adjustment process has been executed” is also sent tothe printer driver 200 a, by indication transmitting module 540. In theevent that the indication receiving module 250 of printer driver 200 areceives an “indication to the effect that picture quality adjustmentprocess has been executed,” execution of the picture quality adjustmentprocess by picture quality adjustment module 230 is halted. The printdata generating module 240 then generates print data on the basis of theadjusted image data as-received.

The print data so generated is sent to the printer 20, whereupon theprinter 20 performs printing according to the received print data.

In the event that a picture quality adjustment process according to apicture quality adjustment parameter value set is not executed by imageprocessing application 500, indication transmitting module 540 does notsend an “indication to the effect that picture quality adjustmentprocess has been executed.” In the event that the indication receivingmodule 250 does not receive an “indication to the effect that picturequality adjustment process has been executed,” picture qualityadjustment module 230 will preferable execute an picture qualityadjustment process. At this time, the parameter file 400 is used incommon by the image processing application 500 and the printer driver200 a.

In the above manner, in this Embodiment, the image processingapplication 500 executes a picture quality adjustment process accordingto picture quality adjustment parameter values, whereby picture qualitycan be adjusted appropriately according to the mode of printer 20.Additionally, since the parameter file 400 is used in common by theimage processing application 500 and the printer driver 200 a, largedifferences in picture quality of output images between picture qualityadjustment processes executed by the image processing application 500and picture quality adjustment processes executed by the printer driver200 a can be avoided. Further, in this Embodiment, a series of processesfor outputting an image are executed in combination by the imageprocessing application 500 and the printer driver 200 a. Here, picturequality can be adjusted appropriately, regardless of which programexecutes the picture quality adjustment process. As a result, whenoutputting an image, there can be output an image of appropriatelyadjusted picture quality, without the user having to bother withselection of a program for executing the picture quality adjustmentprocess.

Where a picture quality adjustment process is executed by the imageprocessing application 500, a picture quality adjustment processaccording to an indication by indication transmitting module 540 is notexecuted by printer driver 200 a, so that execution of a reduplicativepicture quality adjustment process can be prevented, even in the absenceof an instruction by the user to the printer driver 200 a. Further,since the image processing application 500 is furnished with a picturequality adjustment module 530, quality-adjusted images can be outputeven when a printer driver with no picture quality adjustment module isused.

Further, in this Embodiment, image processing application 500corresponds to the “first image processing module” of the invention, andprinter driver 200 a corresponds to the “second image processingmodule.”

E. Embodiment 4

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the arrangement of a computer 90 b inEmbodiment 4. A difference from the Embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 isthat image processing application 500 a comprises a layout module 550.In the event of printing using a plurality of sets of image data, thelayout module 550 is able to execute a layout process to lay out on asingle page a plurality of images represented respectively by theseveral sets of image data.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an image processing routine executed bycomputer 90 b. In Step S100, the layout module 550 of image processingapplication 500 a executes a layout setting process.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary layout setting screendisplayed by layout module 550 on monitor 21 (FIG. 1). In the screenshown in FIG. 12, a plurality of numbers, each indicating a number ofimage assigned to one page (hereinafter termed layout numbers) aredisplayed. The user may select a desired number from among these layoutnumbers. The number of images targeted for printing are laid out on apage according to layout number. The layout setting is not limited tolayout number, and may instead consist of any arrangement that issettable by the user. The image placement setting may be madeuser-modifiable as well.

In Step S210 (FIG. 11), the picture quality adjustment controlinformation setting module 510 executes a process to set picture qualityadjustment control information.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary picture quality adjustmentcontrol information setting screen displayed on monitor 21 (FIG. 1). Apoint of difference from the settings screen shown in FIG. 7 is thatpicture quality adjustment mode can be set for each individual set ofimage data targeted for printing. At the top of the setting screen,types of print media are shown. The type of print medium is used incommon for a plurality of sets of image data. In the lower portion ofthe setting screen are shown a preview image and picture qualityadjustment modes for a single set of image data among the plurality ofsets targeted for printing. The user, by switching among sets of imagedata while verifying preview images, can set a picture qualityadjustment mode for each set of image data targeted for printing.

Processes executed in Steps S220, S230, S240 and S250 (FIG. 11) areanalogous to the processes in Steps S110, S120, S130 and S140 of FIG. 6.Picture quality adjustment control information setting module 510 setspicture quality adjustment control information according to each set ofimage data. Parameter value acquisition module 520 reads in a picturequality adjustment parameter value set according to each set of imagedata. Picture quality adjustment module 530 executes a picture qualityadjustment process according to each set of image data. In Step S260,layout module 550 makes a determination as to whether picture qualityadjustment processes for all image data have been completed. If not yetperformed for all sets of image data (Step S260: No), the processes ofStep S220-S250 are executed for image data that has not yet beensubjected to the picture quality adjustment process.

In Step S270 layout module 500, using image data that has been subjectedto the picture quality adjustment process, generates layout image dataaccording to the layout setting established in Step S200. Layout imagedata consists of a number of sets of image data laid out according tothe layout setting.

The layout data so generated is sent to printer driver 200 a. The printdata generating module 240 of printer driver 200 a generates print dataon the basis of the received layout image data.

The generated print data is sent to printer 20, whereupon printer 20performs printing according to the received print data.

The processes of Step S220-280 are repeated for each page to be output.By so doing, even in cases where the number of sets of image datatargeted for printing is rather large, since these can be processed andprinted in batches, the increase in the capacity required of the RAM 93(FIG. 1) and HDD 94 required for used by the image processingapplication 500 a can be held to a minimum.

In this way, in this Embodiment, since when laying out a plurality ofsets of image data on a given page for output, a picture qualityadjustment process appropriate for each individual set of image data canbe executed, each of the plurality of laid out images can be adjusted todesirable image quality.

F. Embodiment 5

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the arrangement of a computer 90 c inEmbodiment 5. A difference from the Embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is thatthe image processing application 500 b comprises an image data filegenerating module 560. The image data file generating module 560 has thefunction of storing adjusted image data obtained by executing thepicture quality adjustment process.

In this Embodiment, image data file generating module 560 is able tostore in a reusable manner layout image data which has been generated bylayout module 550. More specifically, image data file generating module560 records onto HDD 94 (FIG. 1) an image data file 700 that containsthe layout data. In order to output an image, the image processingapplication 500 b is able to again read the picture quality-adjustedimage data file 700 from HDD 94. At this time, since a picturequality-adjusted image can be output without having to again execute thepicture quality adjustment process, the time required to output theimage can be reduced.

Here, in preferred practice, when generating the picturequality-adjusted image data file 700 “information to the effect thatadjustment has been performed” will be stored in the image data file 700as image data-related information. By employing the arrangement wherebythe picture quality adjustment module 530 does not execute the picturequality adjustment process when image data-related information includes“information to the effect that adjustment has been performed,”execution of a reduplicative picture quality adjustment process can beprevented, even in the absence of an instruction by the user to theimage processing application 500 b. An arrangement whereby where whenimage data-related information includes “information to the effect thatadjustment has been performed,” the indication transmitting module 540sends an “indication to the effect that picture quality adjustmentprocess has been executed” to the printer driver 200 a is possible aswell. By so doing, a reduplicative picture quality adjustment processcan be prevented, even in the absence of an instruction by the user tothe printer driver 200 a. The image data file 700 in this Embodimentcorresponds to the “image data set” in the invention, and the image datafile generating module 560 corresponds to the “image data set generatingmodule” in the invention.

In the above manner, in this Embodiment, it is possible to generate andto subsequently reuse a picture quality-adjusted image data file 700. Asa result, the number of times that the picture quality process needs tobe executed can be reduced, and images having the same given picturequality can be output.

G. Variations

The invention is not limited to the Embodiments or embodiments set forthhereinabove, but may be reduced to practice in various modes withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit thereof. The following variationsare possible, for example.

G1. Variation 1:

Processing characteristic information relating to characteristics of thepicture quality adjustment process is not limited to the picture qualityadjustment mode described earlier; various other kinds of informationmay be used. For example, arrangements whereby information relating tocharacteristics of a contrast adjustment processes, brightnessadjustment process, or other adjustment process is established asprocessing characteristic information are also acceptable. Anarrangement whereby, as regards contrast, selection can be made from thesettings, “high”, “medium high”, “standard”, “medium low” and “low”would be possible. Here, in preferred practice, picture qualityadjustment parameter values (adjustment levels) will be preparedaccording to image output module modes, such as type of print medium andink set, even where characteristic settings for each adjustment processare the same.

As the image generating device, there may be employed a device thatstores preferred characteristics for each adjustment process as imagedata-related information in the image data file. Such a device couldspecify preferred characteristics for each adjustment process on thebasis of operational settings at the time the image data is created. Inpreferred practice, when handling an image data file created by such animage generating device, settings specified by the image data-relatedinformation will be used as the characteristic settings for eachadjustment process.

Alternatively, as the image generating device, there may be employed adevice that stores, by way of image data-related information, the actuallevel of processing of each adjustment process, prepared on theassumption of a specific mode for the image output module. In preferredpractice, when handling an image data file created by such an imagegenerating device, settings, differences in actual level between thespecific mode and other modes will be prepared by way of the picturequality adjustment parameter values. In this case, picture qualityadjustment parameter values are prepared according to the mode of theimage output module. When outputting an image, by correcting, on thebasis of picture quality adjustment parameter values corresponding tothe mode actually used, the level of each adjustment process specifiedby image data-related information, it is possible to execute picturequality adjustment processes appropriate for various modes.

G2. Variation 2:

In the Embodiments hereinabove, the parameter file will preferably berecorded in a rewritable manner. By so doing, it becomes possible tocarry out operation to update or supplement the parameter file. Also, inpreferred practice, the parameter file will be recorded in a manner suchthat it is rewritable independently of the printer driver and imageprocessing application. By so doing, it becomes possible to rewrite theparameter file without having to rewrite the program for executing thepicture quality adjustment process, so that the parameter file can beupdated or supplemented without the user needing to have detailedknowledge pertaining to rewriting the program.

G3. Variation 3:

In the Embodiments hereinabove, the picture quality adjustment processis executed in a specific color space, that is, the picture qualityadjustment process is executed independently from the color spaceconversion process. In the color space conversion process, it isimportant to maintain appropriate correspondence relationships amongcolors before and after the process. On the other hand, in the picturequality adjustment process, it is important to produce good picturequality by means of the process. Accordingly, by means of an arrangementwhereby the picture quality adjustment process is executed independentlyfrom the color space conversion process, when an operator is adjustingpicture quality adjustment parameter values according to picture qualityadjustment control information, it will be possible to adjust reproducedpicture quality while maintaining appropriate correspondencerelationships among colors.

G4. Variation 4:

In the Embodiments hereinabove, image data and image data-relatedinformation need not be stored in the same image data file. Generally,any arrangement wherein image data and image data-related informationconstitute a mutually associated image data set would be acceptable.

G5. Variation 5:

In the event that a number of different image output device models areutilizable, picture quality adjustment parameter values may preferablybe prepared according to the model. Where device models differ, it ispossible that color reproduction of output images will differ as well.Accordingly, by preparing and selectively using picture qualityadjustment parameter values according to different device models, it ispossible to execute a picture quality adjustment process appropriate fora particular device model.

Here, in preferred practice, picture quality adjustment parameter valueswill be stored in independent parameter files utilizable on amodel-by-model basis or device-by-device basis. By so doing, it issufficient simply to place in memory parameter files for utilizabledevice models, and thus to avoid the need for large memory capacity tostore the picture quality adjustment parameter values.

Also, in preferred practice, picture quality adjustment parametersaccording to device model will be established in such a way as tominimize difference in appearance of output images due to differencesamong output device models. By so doing, even where a user utilizes anumber of different output device models, it is a simple matter toobtain images of similar impression.

G6. Variation 6:

In the event that it is not possible to use picture quality adjustmentparameter values corresponding to picture quality adjustment controlinformation, a picture quality adjustment process according to standardpicture quality adjustment parameter values may be executed instead.Preferably, such standard picture quality adjustment parameter valuesincorporated into the picture quality adjustment module in advance.Alternatively, standard picture quality adjustment parameter values maybe stored in parameter file 400.

G7. Variation 7:

In the Embodiments hereinabove, various kinds of information besidesthat described in the Embodiments could be used as picture qualityadjustment control information. For example, picture quality adjustmentparameter values could be established according to regional informationindicating the region in which the image output device is used. Whereregional information (e.g. country or city) differs, picture qualitiesthat a user tends to feel are appropriate may differ as well. As aresult, where the picture quality adjustment process is unvarying, it ispossible that, depending on the region, picture quality consideredappropriate by a user will not be obtained. By preparing picture qualityadjustment parameter values according to different regions, it becomespossible to selectively use picture quality adjustment parameter valuesaccording to region, so that picture quality adjustment parameter valuesappropriate for particular regions can be carried out.

G8. Variation 8:

In the Embodiments hereinabove, the computer 90 (image processingdevice) and printer 20 (image output device) are provided independently;however, instead, an arrangement whereby the control circuit of theprinter executes the picture quality adjustment process according topicture quality adjustment parameter values would also be acceptable.FIG. 15 illustrates an example of execution of a picture qualityadjustment process by a control circuit 22 a of a printer 20 a. In theexample shown in FIG. 15, control circuit 22 a, like the computer 90shown in FIG. 1, has a CPU, RAM and the like (not shown), and is able toexecute the same functions as the printer driver 200 of FIG. 2. Controlcircuit 22 a further comprises nonvolatile memory (not shown) able tohold data regardless of whether printer 20 a power is on or off, theparameter file 400 is stored in this nonvolatile memory. Various kindsof memory such as EEPROM could be employed as the nonvolatile memory.Here, in preferred practice, the parameter file 400 will be rewritable.

In this example, printer 20 a and digital camera 12 are connected via acable CV. Printer 20 a is able to receive image data from digital camera12 through cable CV. Control circuit 22 a of printer 20 a executes onthe received image data a picture quality adjustment process based onpicture quality adjustment parameter values, and then performs printingof an image according to the quality-adjusted image data. By employingsuch an arrangement, it is possible to output a quality-adjusted imagewithout the use of a computer. In this example, control circuit 22 a ofprinter 20 a functions as the image processing device. The method bywhich printer 20 receives data is not limited to one using a cable; amethod whereby it receives image data directly from a digital camera orother image generating device via a wireless link, via a memory card MC,or any of various other methods could be used instead.

G9. Variation 9:

There may be an arrangement whereby the printer driver and imageprocessing application utilize in common at least one module selectedfrom the picture quality adjustment control information setting module,parameter acquisition module, and picture quality adjustment module. Byso doing, less capacity is required of the HDD 94 (FIG. 1) for storingthe printer driver and image processing application.

G10. Variation 10:

The image output unit is not limited to a printer, but could instead bereduced to practice in any of various other modes such as an LDC displayfor producing images on a liquid crystal panel; a CRT display forproducing images on a Braun tube; or the like. In this case, bypreparing and selectively using picture quality adjustment parametervalues according to particular image output unit modes, it is possibleto execute picture quality adjustment processes appropriate to aparticular mode.

Also, in this case picture quality adjustment parameter values willpreferably be established so as to minimize difference in appearanceamong output images, due to different modes. By so doing, it is easy fora user to obtain images of similar impression, even where a number ofdifferent modes are used.

G12. Variation 11:

Some of the arrangements realized through software in the Embodimentscould instead be realized through hardware, and conversely some of thearrangements realized through hardware could instead be realized throughsoftware. For example, some of the functions of printer driver 200 (FIG.2) could be executed by a control circuit (not shown) in printer 20.

G12. Variation 12:

The term “digital camera” herein includes both digital still camerasthat take still images, as well as digital video cameras that recordmotion video.

The parent application claims priority based on Japanese PatentApplication No. 2003-291322 filed on Aug. 11, 2003, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

1. A method of processing image data comprising: determining, accordingto whether picture quality of image data has been adjusted or not,whether or not to execute picture quality adjustment; and executingpicture quality adjustment of the image data in case it is determined toexecute the picture quality adjustment.
 2. A method according to claim1, further comprising: providing a plurality of parameter value sets inassociation with a plurality of models of output units, respectively,each parameter value set including a picture quality adjustmentparameter value; and outputting the quality-adjusted image data to anoutput unit, wherein in the executing of the picture quality adjustment,a parameter value set is used, the parameter value set being associatedwith a model of the output unit used in the outputting of thequality-adjusted image data.
 3. An image processing device comprising: adetermination module that determines, according to whether picturequality of image data has been adjusted or not, whether or not toexecute picture quality adjustment; and a picture quality adjustingmodule that executes the picture quality adjustment of the image data ina case it is determined to execute the picture quality adjustment.
 4. Acomputer program product comprising: a computer readable medium; and acomputer program stored on the computer readable medium, the computerprogram including: a first computer program for causing a computer todetermine, according to whether picture quality of image data has beenadjusted or not, whether or not to execute picture quality adjustment;and a second computer program for causing the computer to execute thepicture quality adjustment of the image data in case it is determined toexecute the picture quality adjustment.